Mercy: Second Chance Military Romance

by Abbi Hemp

  “Nice to meet you two,” my father called out.

  I raised a hand in the air as Brent and I walked out of the greenhouse.

  “I’ll follow you in my car,” I said.

  “Are you sure? We can smoke if we have a driver.”

  The idea of a toke or two before dinner sounded so good.

  “Yeah, I’m sure,” I said. “I have somewhere to be later tonight.”

  “You rushing through a free dinner with me to get to another date?” he joked.

  “No, nothing like that, I’m afraid. It’s work related.”

  “You journalists work all the time.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  He got into the back of his stretch SUV while I got into my five-year-old Chrysler Sebring.

  ELEVEN

  Brent

  That First Kiss

  I told Keifer to drive to The Greenery, where the food was infused with marijuana. The place normally had a two-month wait to get in, but the owner and I were on good terms. When she had opened three months earlier, I funded her first month of marijuana, knowing she had a hit.

  Maybe if Heidi got stoned, I would have an easier time getting into her panties. While her mind excited me, I had to taste her body, every delicious and delicate inch. The image of her riding me, her breasts bouncing, made me shift in the back seat. Would I be able to last through dinner?

  After getting back into the city, Keifer pulled up at the front of The Greenery, the green colored glass of the windows giving the building an otherworldly feel. I told Keifer to park and wait then got out of the back on my own. Before she pulled up, I went over to tip the valet.

  She pulled up a minute later and got out of her mid-range sedan looking like a superstar. If she were mine, I would buy her anything her heart desired.

  “You didn’t tell me we were going to a nice place,” she said. “I look horrible.”

  “Whatever. We’ll have a private room in the back. It will be fine.”

  “I’ve heard about this place.”

  “Yeah?” I put my hand on the small of her back. “Let’s go inside.”

  She smiled as I opened one of the two green glass doors. I followed her into the lobby of the restaurant. As soon as the hostess saw me, her face lit up in recognition. I nodded my head, glad I hadn’t fucked her when I’d had the chance a few months back.

  “I still can’t believe you got us a table here,” Heidi said after we were seated.

  “Well, I tend to get what I want out of life.”

  She did not look away as I stared into her eyes.

  “Yeah?”

  I nodded.

  “Yeah.”

  A waiter arrived to take our order. She got the chicken. I ordered fish, curious if she would eat dessert with THC in it. Did she get wild when high? As a reporter for High Times, I figured she got stoned.

  “You going to come to the Cannabis Cub semi-finals with me?” I asked.

  “I’m not sure.”

  “It would make a good story for your magazine, and I’d love to have you with me.”

  “It’s not my magazine…”

  “You know what I mean,” I interrupted.

  What is she hiding from me?

  “You make it hard to resist after bringing me to a place like this.”

  I smiled.

  “It’s nothing. Trust me.”

  Another waiter came into our room and poured us each a glass of red wine. I kept my eyes on her beautiful face as I took a drink.

  “Do you come here often?” she asked.

  “Not as often as I’d like, and usually not with a woman as beautiful as you.”

  She smiled, accepting the compliment gracefully.

  “What are your plans?”

  “Tonight? Well, I thought after dinner we might…”

  “No,” she interrupted. “I meant with your business.”

  “Oh. I thought the article was finished.”

  “It is, but I’m asking on a personal level.”

  “Ah, okay.”

  She’s interested in me, I thought.

  “I think the new grower is going to work out.”

  “That’s great.”

  She took a drink of wine.

  “Yeah, thanks again for the introduction.”

  “No problem.”

  “You must meet a lot of interesting characters in your line of work.”

  “At the magazine? Yeah, I do. It’s where I met him,” she said then raised her glass again.

  I wonder if she’s a big drinker or just nervous.

  “I meet a lot of interesting people in my line of work too.”

  “No doubt. You shot at some of them the other day with me in the vehicle.”

  I frowned.

  “Not all of them are assholes, though. You, for example, are one of the better people I’ve met thanks to my business.”

  “Uh huh. I bet you tell that to all the ladies.”

  “Only the ones I like.”

  We made eye contact. She looked away as the waiter came into the room with salads.

  “Everything okay?” he asked.

  “Great,” I said. “We might need another bottle of wine.”

  “Of course, sir.”

  “I usually don’t drink this much,” she said.

  “No? You just nervous?”

  “In a way, I guess.”

  Her voice trailed off.

  “Go on.”

  “It’s work related,” she said, not elaborating.

  I picked up a fork and poked a cherry tomato before eating it. After I swallowed, while she chewed, I threw another question at her.

  “When is that article coming out, by the way? I looked for it the other day, but I couldn’t find it.”

  She put her hand over her mouth and bobbed her head as she finished with the food in her mouth.

  “Soon, I think,” she said. “My editor has control over it.”

  I nodded. “That’s why I enjoy being my own boss.”

  “I bet,” she said.

  “Maybe I should hire you to write my memoirs.”

  “You couldn’t afford me?”

  “Don’t be so sure. I mean, you’re worth a lot, but so am I.”

  We returned to our salads, eating in silence. I stole glances of her, fascinated by her face, the way the light hit her silky smooth skin. Was her entire body so flawless?

  After setting her fork down, she pushed the half-empty salad bowl toward the center of the table.

  “I need to go,” she said.

  “What? So soon? The food hasn’t come yet.”

  “I forgot about something I had to do tonight.”

  “Really?”

  She nodded as she stood up.

  “Yeah, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be out with you. It’s not professional.”

  “The article isn’t even out yet,” I said, standing up.

  “No, but…It’s complicated.”

  I stepped around the table toward her. As a heavenly body, I could not resist the attraction, a longing and pulling to be close.

  “We can try some other night,” I said, stopping just outside her personal space.

  “Maybe…”

  Not wanting to later regret it, I stepped forward, closing the space between us. She did not move as I tilted my head and moved it even closer. Our lips met. Magic touch of bliss. Hers wet and soft, kissing me back. I put my hand on her waist, never wanting the moment to end.

  She pulled back and took a deep breath.

  “I can’t…”

  I watched as she fled the room, almost running into the waiter as he carried our food in. As she ran, I debated chasing her, but it wasn’t my style. The kiss would bring her back to me. I could still taste her on my lips.

  TWELVE

  Brent

  Cannabis Cup Semi-Finals

  I received a text message from her at the last minute, letting me know she would be at the hotel for the Cannabis Cup Semi-Finals to do a story
for High Times since I’d already reserved a room for her. The whole day, I looked for her among the attendees, but I never found her.

  As expected, my latest super-strain won first place. To win the finals I’d need the help of the grower, but things were going great. I stepped out onto the stage and raised an arm into the air with a smile on my face. Applause continued a few seconds after I reached the podium.

  “Thank you,” I said then adjusted the microphone, causing it to squeak. “It’s an honor to be deemed the best weed in Colorado. I’ve got some surprises in store to make sure we win the finals. Until then, keep smoking and thanks for all your support!”

  The crowd stood and applauded as I lifted my arm and waved before walking off the stage. I saw her, and my spirits were lifted even more. She smiled and waved as I walked over.

  “You made it. How’d you get backstage?”

  She lifted a press badge on a lanyard around her neck.

  “I’m press, remember?”

  “That’s right. I’m glad you could make it.”

  “You’re going to give me an exclusive interview, right?”

  “Yeah, but only if we do it in the bar. They’ve given me a private booth in the corner. We can have a celebratory drink or joint and talk about my win or anything else you want.”

  “Even your backroom business deals?”

  “Whoa,” I said, putting my hand on her arm. “Slow down. Backroom business deals? Where are you getting your information? Competitors?”

  “It’s just a rumor, but I wanted to see your reaction.”

  “You’re a sneaky one, aren’t you?”

  I took my hand away from her arm.

  “Or a good journalist. Names don’t bother me.”

  “Well, what do you say? Have a drink, smoke and talk with me?”

  “I’m not drinking tonight, but yeah, I’d like to ask you some more questions.”

  “Only if you have a drink.”

  “Okay. One drink,” she relented.

  I smiled, knowing one would lead to another. We made our way to the bar in the lobby of the hotel. It took everything not to kiss her in the elevator on the way down. The touch of her lips hadn’t left me since our first kiss.

  “I’m sorry about running out the other night,” she said, not turning to me.

  Both of us stared forward at the dull grey elevator door.

  “It’s fine. You’re here tonight, and I’m happy to see you.”

  “Well, my boss wanted me to ask you more questions.”

  “I bet. I’m the richest legal marijuana operation in the entire state. Another few years, I’ll be biggest in the world if everything goes to plan.”

  “Sounds ambitious.”

  “Go big or go home,” I said.

  The elevator door slid open. I stepped aside to let her walk out first. In the bar, I led her to my reserved booth with a hand on her back. Her plain red dress looked spectacular, fitting her body perfectly. I couldn’t help but notice her ass looked nice as well.

  She sat down on one side of the booth. When she didn’t scoot over, I took a seat on the bench across from her. A waiter arrived almost immediately, knowing I was the man of the hour and had money to spend.

  “How are you this evening?” he asked when he reached us.

  “Good, good,” I said. “Bring us a bottle of your best red and a few spliffs.”

  “Of course, sir. Right away,” he said, scurrying off.

  “I didn’t say I’d be smoking,” she said. “I can’t drink and smoke.”

  “No pressure,” I said. “But I could use a toke of the winning bud. You should have one to make your article on the Semi-Finals even better.”

  “Fine. You talked me into it.” A smile spread over her face. “I do think that new grower is going to be able to help you come up with an even better strain. Just make sure you treat him right.”

  “I treat all my employees well,” I said.

  The waiter returned with an open bottle of wine, two glasses, and three spliffs. The cigar paper shells contained my award winning weed.

  “Thanks,” I said, looking up at him.

  “If you need anything else, let me know.”

  After he walked away, she said, “People treat you like a king.”

  “I’m the king of marijuana at the moment, and I’d do anything to keep it that way.”

  “Anything?” she asked.

  I nodded. “Anything it takes.”

  She reached forward and poured herself a glass.

  “Light it up, then.”

  After lighting one up, I took a big hit, holding the smoke in as I passed it across the table. She took it, our fingers brushing against each other for a split second, sending electricity through my body. I exhaled a large cloud of smoke to the left as she inhaled.

  To my surprise, she didn’t cough or take a small hit. I accepted the spliff from her then took another small hit. She exhaled then picked up her glass of wine to take a drink.

  “Have you smoked my super-strain before?” I asked.

  She shook her head.

  “No, first time. It’s smooth.”

  “Damn straight. I’ve been perfecting it for over a year.”

  “Well, it won’t be able to compare to what that new grower gives you.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  I took another hit then passed it to her.

  “No thanks,” she said, shaking her head.

  She took another drink as I exhaled and put the spliff down, the high-grade marijuana relaxing me.

  “That’s pretty good stuff, though,” she said.

  “Well, like you said, I’m going to need something even better if I want to win the Cannabis Cup finals and remain king of the hill when it comes to weed. Hopefully, they’ll legalize it at a federal level, and I’ll be able to expand the business.”

  “Fast growth is hard,” she said.

  The word hard coming across her lips turned me on.

  “Yeah, but I’m experienced.”

  Did she even get that I’m flirting with her?

  She nervously took another drink of wine. I filled up the glass halfway after she set it down then filled my own. Winning the Semi-Finals meant nothing compared to spending time with her again. I lifted my glass into the air.

  “To beauty and power,” I said.

  “You’re the beauty, huh?”

  I grinned as she lifted her glass and clinked it against mine.

  One drink led to another. We discussed everything from politics to sports to religion briefly, anything but me or her. She didn’t say anything when I ordered a second bottle and lit up the spliff. A few hits later, we were both laughing at something. I couldn’t remember what exactly, but I didn’t care.

  The dim lights in the bar hit her red hair in a way that made it radiate, a glow framing her perfect face.

  “Quit staring at me,” she said at one point. “It’s rude.”

  “How can I not stare at you? So beautiful…”

  She rolled her eyes.

  “It’s true,” I insisted. “I’ve met a lot of women, and…”

  I cut myself off, but it was too late.

  Damn red wine!

  She yawned and stretched.

  “This has been fun, but I should get some sleep.”

  “I’ll walk you to your room,” I said, scooting over to stand up.

  “That’s okay.”

  “I insist.”

  “Okay.”

  Once she got to her feet, I took her hand in mine. As we walked to the elevators, I strived to maintain my balance with the THC and alcohol both flowing through my system.

  “You okay?” she teased once we were safely inside and on the way up to our rooms.

  “Yeah. That last glass hit me hard, I think.”

  “Remind me never to take you out drinking for real.”

  “You’re a little giggle princess yourself right now.”

  She laughed. “Giggle princess?”

&n
bsp; “Hey, I’m trying to be witty.”

  I smiled as the elevator door opened.

  “Ladies first.”

  As she stepped out into the hallway, I took another look at her shapely ass so well fitted in the tight, red dress. She had to have known the effect it would have on me. I lifted the elbow of my left arm out, and she put her arm through it.

  We made our way down the carpeted hall toward her room. Time slowed down as I wondered what she would say once we got to our destination. Would she invite me in? Can I control my urges around her? She stopped in front of a door.

  “This is me.”

  “My mission is complete,” I said. “You’re here safely.”

  I smiled as our eyes met. She bent her head to look at the floor. Not wanting to frighten her again, I put my hand on the back of her neck and gave her a peck on the lips, nothing wet or sexual at all. As I pulled back, I studied her reaction, wondering if I should go further.

  “Goodnight,” she said. “Congratulation.”

  “Thanks,” I said. “For the drink and smoke too. It was nice to relax and laugh a bit.”

  She nodded. “I’ll call you.”

  “Yeah…” I said, turning and walking away.

  If I had stayed one more moment, I would have not been able to resist hugging her tight while kissing those delicious, red lips. With each step down the carpeted hall to my room on the other side of the building, my feet dragged, as if they wanted me to stay.

  THIRTEEN

  Heidi

  Sweet, Green Love

  After he kissed me on the cheek, I thought I might melt. He walked away like a true gentleman, but I wished he would kiss me forcefully again like he had done at the restaurant. As a DEA agent, feelings for him were out of the question, but I couldn’t help myself.

  From his muscular arms to his toned body under carefully tailored shirts, every inch of his body intrigued me. I had convinced myself to come to the Cannabis Cup Semi-Finals with him to see if I could dig up any dirt on his business, but as he walked away, I realized I had feelings for him.